Bandits kill 10 at Niger mining site, abduct four in Katsina

Troops recover arms as B’Haram fighter surrenders
No fewer than 10 people have been killed and others injured when bandits stormed a mining site at Karaga Village, Shiroro Local Council of Niger State.

Intelligence sources said the attack occurred on February 26 but was only reported on March 2 due to communication challenges.

The assailants, arriving on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately before targeting miners and residents.

The deceased have been identified as Lurwsnu Saidu (32), Zubairu Ibrahim (27), Tasiu Danlami (31), Zanaidu Ibrahim (36), Haliru Ibrahim (33), Abbas Abdulhamid (40), Uzairu Ibrahim (32), Umaru Aliyu (22), Dahiru Fadama (29), and Alheri Gambo (21), the only female victim.
 
Another victim, Sabiu Yakubu (25), suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand, and is currently receiving treatment at Erena Comprehensive Health Centre.
 
Sources indicate that the attackers were linked to a terrorist network operating in Shiroro council area, which has repeatedly targeted mining sites, villages, and security forces in recent months.

ALSO, hoodlums have kidnapped four individuals from Paris Quarters, located behind the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina State.

The incident took place around 2:20 a.m. when a large group of attackers silently entered the area and abducted four people.

The victims have been identified as Wali Kayode (25), Fahad Muhammad (20), Emmanuel (surname unknown), and one other individual, whose identity has not yet been confirmed.

Upon receiving a distress call, security personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene, but the kidnappers had already escaped.

According to a security expert, authorities have launched efforts to locate the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.

EQUALLY, troops of 21 Armoured Brigade, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment during a clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
 
Intelligence sources said the operation was carried out in conjunction with 199 Special Forces Battalion, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and Hybrid Forces.
 
It was gathered that the team conducted the operation at Ukuba general area in search of weapons and equipment hidden by terrorists.
 
Upon arrival at 12.10 p.m. on March 1, the troops found that the terrorists had abandoned the enclave in haste, leaving behind a stockpile of weapons and equipment.
 
The recovered items included one MOWAG engine, one unidentified heavy-duty block engine, various engine components, one QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, three PKT machine guns, two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), one M60 machine gun, two RPG tubes, one QJC gun cradle, one unserviceable HK 21 rifle, one G3 rifle magazine, one fabricated 60mm mortar tube and three Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders.

Military authorities confirmed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to clear remnants of terrorists from Sambisa Forest, and recover hidden weapon depots.